Life will knock you down. That’s not a maybe—it’s a guarantee. You’ll face moments that hit like a freight train: failure, rejection, loss, and those unexpected gut punches that leave you breathless. But here’s the truth—resilience isn’t about avoiding the fall; it’s about how you rise after you hit the ground.
I know this firsthand.
The hardest hit of my life came with the loss of my son, Will, in 2017. No amount of strength, preparation, or past resilience could have prepared me for that kind of heartbreak. It wasn’t just a setback—it was the kind of pain that shatters every assumption about who you are and what life is supposed to be.
But here’s what I learned through that pain: Resilience isn’t about being tough all the time. It’s about allowing yourself to break—and then choosing to stand up, again and again, with every broken piece in your hand. It’s about honoring the loss by continuing to live, love, and lead with purpose.
This is your resilience reset. Ready to bounce back stronger than ever? Let’s dive in.
The Myth of “Natural Resilience” (Why You Can Build It Too)
There’s this myth that some people are just wired differently—naturally tougher, immune to the punches life throws. That’s nonsense.
Resilience isn’t some rare superpower—it’s a skill you build through action. Think of it like a muscle:
The more you face challenges head-on, the stronger it gets.
Every setback you overcome adds another layer of grit.
And every time you rise, even when it hurts, you’re proving to yourself that you’re capable of more.
I didn’t wake up stronger the day after losing Will. I wasn’t suddenly ready to conquer anything. But every small choice—to get out of bed, to care for my family, to speak, to lead—was a rep for my resilience muscle.
You don’t need to be born tough. You just need to be willing to get back up.
Quick Mindset Hacks to Recover Faster from Setbacks
When life knocks you flat, your mindset becomes your strongest weapon—or your biggest obstacle. These quick shifts helped me recover when I didn’t think I could:
Shift from “Why Me?” to “What’s Next?”
There were days I asked, “Why my son? Why this pain?”
But the truth is, there aren’t always answers. What helped me move forward was shifting the question to: “What’s next? How do I honor his memory and continue living with purpose?” That shift changed everything.Turn Setbacks into Setups
What if your deepest pain could set you up for your greatest purpose?
Losing Will didn’t end my story—it reshaped it. I’ve found deeper connections, clearer purpose, and an urgency to serve others who are navigating their own losses.Get Micro with Your Goals
In the depths of grief, I couldn’t think weeks ahead—I could barely think about the next hour.
So, I focused on the smallest victories:
Get out of bed.
Drink water.
Call a friend.
Tiny wins build momentum and remind you that you’re still moving forward.
Practice Full Presence
When the past is too painful and the future feels uncertain, anchor yourself in the present.
Some days, I had to take it moment by moment—being fully present with my family, my work, and even my grief.
Your Resilience Reset Starts Now
Here’s what I know for sure:
Life will knock you down.
You will face moments when giving up seems easier than moving forward.
You will question whether you have the strength to keep going.
But resilience isn’t about avoiding those moments—it’s about what you do after they happen.
I didn’t choose to lose my son. But every day since, I’ve made the choice to live a life that honors his memory—a life filled with love, purpose, and service.
And you can make that choice too.
Get up. Every single time.
Take the lesson, not the loss.
And remember: You’re not just bouncing back—you’re bouncing higher.
This isn’t about surviving. It’s about thriving, even after the hardest hits.
Let’s Connect
If this message resonated with you and you’re ready to take your resilience to the next level, let’s talk. I offer coaching sessions and speaking engagements designed to help you build resilience, foster connection, and lead with clarity.
Coming Soon: Peaceful Ambition
I’m excited to announce my new book, Peaceful Ambition, is coming soon! This book dives deeper into the journey of resilience, purpose, and finding peace even in the middle of life’s hardest battles. Stay tuned for updates on the release date—you won’t want to miss it.
Your resilience reset starts now. Are you ready?
📅 Schedule a session with me by clicking the button below.
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